SPLASH

So I started my swimming lessons today. I should have known to just sign up for a higher level class. I'm always looking for something fast. But I didn't want to take things for granted either this time around. I'm out to get it right this time.

Anyway, good thing the instructor recognized that I needed something more challenging and simply moved me to the next group.

Between swimming and running, I expect to be a mid-riff bearing, sleeveless-and-mini-skirt wearing, toned-muscles-flexing, lean machine by the time I turn 30...

=)

My Reality-Based Running Goal

My running buddy told me:

"10k in 40 mins ... that's about a 5:50 pace ... in other words, it's an all out sprint for 40 minutes."

My new goal then is 10k in 50-55 minutes. That's an 8-9 min per mile pace. And as my running budy reminded me, "a 9 minute mile is a sub 4 hour marathon".

Hey, I'm not a running expert. But I've worked in a marathon. Elite women athletes finish 26.2 miles in a little over 2 hours to 2 and a half hours. That's extraordinary. Call me whatever, but I felt teary the first time I saw up close as that first woman athlete crossed the finish line. Can you just imagine how amazing you have to be to do what that woman just did (and does quite consistently). Unbelievable.

A sub 4 hour marathon is a bit above the ordinary runners. In last year's NYC Marathon, the 100th female finisher completed in 3:14:51. I don't know if that gives you any more clarity to distinguish ordinary vs. extraordinary. Over 30,000 runners in every age and level join the NYC Marathon each year. By the way, I'm not running the marathon quite yet. Just 10k.

So 10k in 50 minutes. I can still be inspired by that. I'm going for extraordinary.

Reality vs. Inspiration

I said I would run 10k in about a half-hour's time by July. This is the reaction I got.

"You can't do it."
"You're crazy."
"That's unreal."

You know, I just thought I was inspired. I don't want to think or hear that I can't do it.

Yes, there is something to be said about "keeping it real". Last Sunday, I ran 4 miles in about half-hour in the gym, and could have easily gone more. I thought I was invincible. Today, I ran maybe 3-4 miles in the park, and the road punished me. By my third go around the park, I could feel just about every pebble my shoe crushed under each stride. My sides were splitting. I struggled to keep my breathing under control. And I still think I was awesome. It took me longer, but I conquered the road.

I think I can tell the difference between delusion and inspiration.

See my poem Madness...

I was just listening to this...

As I walk through
This wicked world
Searchin’ for light in the darkness of insanity.

I ask myself
Is all hope lost?
Is there only pain and hatred, and misery?

And each time I feel like this inside,
There’s one thing I wanna know:
What’s so funny ’bout peace love & understanding?

Aligning the Stars

A month has passed since the new year came in. Wow. I asked the universe, and so far this is what it has given...

- my raise has been approved
- started working out intentionally; joined triathlon relay team
- signed up for swimming lessons
- my sister Villete's fiancee Eman has a scheduled interview for his US visa
- my brother Vincent got a new job with Intel
- my mom and sisters are in the process of getting a new apartment
- my friend Mel skated and played golf for the first time
- Rolando lost 10 pounds
- Yankees acquired Randy Johnson

Keep surrounding yourself with people who will stand for who you are and what you are committed to...